7 Skin Signs That May Reveal Diabetes Risk Early

The Economic Survey of 2025-26 has flagged diabetes as an emerging health risk for the Indian population. Diabetes is India's top non-communicable disease challenge, with 90 million adults already affected and projections set to cross 100 million by 2026. While you may be aware that excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, blurry vision, and many other clear dysfunctions may indicate unregulated blood sugar levels. There are various signs on your skin that are early warning signs that you have diabetes. While individually, each of these signs on the skin may be caused by a number of factors, to definitely rule out if you're diabetic, you need to get tested. But developing awareness of your bodily changes is important to be proactive and seek medical help when needed. Especially because diabetes progresses in stages and can cause health complications that reduce quality of life.

The correlation between your skin and diabetes lies in how well the blood circulates in your body. And if you have a weakened immunity, or take both of these factors into consideration, it can manifest on the surface of your skin. The topmost layer of the skin can become a visible marker of internal metabolic imbalance and should send alarm bells ringing to get tested.

7 Common Skin Signs Linked To Diabetes

1. Diabetic Dermopathy (Shin Spots)

When there are metabolic changes inside your body, then your skin could develop small, round, brownish or reddish patches (often called shin spots) that usually appear on the lower legs (shins). These patches are harmless and don't cause any pain or itching, but they are a visible sign of diabetes-related changes in blood vessels and may reflect on your skin. 

According to the Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research, more than 25% of diabetes patients showed skin changes strongly associated with problems in small blood vessels and connected to nerve damage.

2. Acanthosis Nigricans (Dark Patches On Neck/Armpits)

The appearance of dark patches on the neck or armpits could possibly be a sign of diabetes, as the body may be struggling to produce insulin properly. These dark, thickened, velvety patches of skin, most commonly on the neck, armpits, groin, and sometimes knuckles, are noticeable when they appear.

As per the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, dark patches on skin are proven skin markers of insulin resistance, commonly seen in obese and diabetic patients in India. By correctly and timely identifying these skin changes, you can seek timely medical help and catch diabetes early.

Skin wounds
Photo Credit: Freepik

3. Slow-Healing Wounds

When you get wounded, if your skin is not healing on time or is taking a while to heal completely, then your body's metabolic function may be to blame. Diabetes tends to impair blood vessels and nerves, which directly impacts how your skin may heal. The skin needs proper blood flow, oxygen, and a constant supply of nutrients that may impact its healing duration when it is wounded.

According to the Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology journal, dysfunction in immune cells can occur along with impaired tissue repair processes, which lead to chronic non-healing wounds, especially in diabetic foot ulcers.

Also Read: Silent Fatty Liver: 6 Skin Changes That Mean Your Liver Is Struggling

4. Frequent Fungal/Bacterial Infections

The unregulated spike in blood sugar levels leads to weakening of the immune system, which creates a favourable environment for germs to thrive. Bacteria or fungi can easily multiply when there are ideal conditions created due to spikes in blood sugar levels repeatedly. Along with this high exposure rate, people with diabetes often get repeated fungal (candidiasis, ringworm) and bacterial infections (boils, urinary tract infections, skin abscesses), as mentioned in the Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology.

5. Itchy, Dry Skin

The consistent presence of high blood sugar pulls fluid out of the body, leading to dehydration and dryness. This is what becomes the primary cause of itchy, dry skin and the possible reason behind why this skin manifestation is tied to diabetes. In addition, the high blood sugar levels damage small blood vessels and nerves, reducing sweat and oil production that normally keep skin moist.

Lastly, the skin becomes dry and itchy because of poor circulation, as the skin is unable to receive any nutrients. All of these specific causes are listed in the Frontiers in Medicine (2025) and should serve as a reminder to scan your skin periodically to notice any changes.

6. Necrobiosis Lipoidica (Rare But Significant)

This rare but noticeable sign of diabetes on the skin can occur as shiny, reddish-brown, or yellow patches with clear edges on your lower legs (shins). The skin in these areas may become thin, show visible veins, and sometimes ulcerate (form sores) if injured. And this is common among women and people with long-standing diabetes, as per the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

7. Vitiligo

Vitiligo is becoming a common skin condition in which patches of skin lose their natural colour and turn milky-white. This happens due to the immune system mistaking healthy skin cells that produce pigment, and it leads to respective white skin changes. Here is why vitiligo is common in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes:

• Since type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune health condition, vitiligo is noticeable mostly in people with diabetes.
• But when type 2 diabetes is considered, it may be a result of chronic metabolic stress and immune dysfunction.

These reasons have been listed in the Cutaneous Manifestations in Diabetes and should be taken seriously if they occur. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) also mentions that dermatological screening should be a part of diabetes management.

Also Read: Fatty Liver Crisis: Nearly 4 In 10 Indians Affected, Lancet Study Sounds Alarm

Why Early Detection Matters

Skin signs often appear before a full diabetes diagnosis, so being aware of your skin matters for timely intervention.

Identifying them can prevent complications like nerve damage, eye issues, and heart disease.

Practical Tips That Can Help

• Monitor unusual skin changes and track the changes so that you can easily communicate them to your doctor.
• Seek medical advice early if you experience a combination of the above skin changes.
• Follow the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition's dietary and lifestyle guidelines to regulate your blood sugar levels.

Your skin is a mirror of your metabolic health, so recognising early signs can help Indians manage diabetes risk proactively.

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.